ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has officially dropped plans for a mini-budget in the fiscal year 2024-25, instead opting for an alternative strategy to tackle a Rs. 605 billion financial shortfall, according to ARY News, citing government sources.
While the economic landscape remains challenging, there’s a bright spot emerging from the cement industry, which has reported an impressive 34% growth in exports. This positive development comes at a time when local sales continue to face downward pressure.
According to the Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (PCMA), domestic cement sales for February 2025 were recorded at 3.065 million tons, reflecting a modest increase of 6.82% compared to 2.869 million tons in February 2024.
In sharp contrast, cement exports soared by 34.30%, with February exports rising to 531,736 tons, compared to 395,935 tons during the same month last year.
Overall, the cement industry’s total sales for February 2025 stood at 3.596 million tons, indicating a year-on-year increase of 10.15% from 3.265 million tons in February 2024.
Year-to-Date Performance
Over the first eight months of the current fiscal year, total cement sales — combining local and export markets — were recorded at 30.423 million tons, showing a slight dip of 0.45% compared to 30.560 million tons in the same period last year.
The local market remained under pressure, witnessing a 6% decline to 24.5 million tons. However, exports surged by 31.78%, climbing from 4.495 million tons to 5.924 million tons, cushioning the industry’s overall performance.
Local Market Struggles
Despite the export success, experts warn that local cement demand remains sluggish, primarily due to slowed construction activity, high costs, and economic uncertainties. Industry insiders stress that government incentives and supportive policies are essential to revive domestic demand and ensure sustainable industry growth.
Sindh’s Solar Energy Push: 200,000 Solar Systems to Be Distributed by July 2025
In a separate development, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah distributed solar home systems to residents in Karachi on Wednesday as part of a broader effort to promote renewable energy in partnership with the World Bank.
The CM announced that 200,000 low-income households across the province will receive solar systems under this initiative, with the full distribution to be completed by July 2025.
